THE future of two Midland casualty departments is to be discussed in public at a 'Big Debate' organised by the Birmingham Mail. Bosses at City Hospital, in Winson Green, and Sandwell Hospital, in West Bromwich, are planning dramatic changes in the next 12 months - from scaling down accident and emergency facilities to closing a children's ward.

Two official 'public consultations' are already under way - the first into building a new hospital in Smethwick to replace the two old sites, and the second into cutting back hospital services for the next seven years until the new building is ready to open.

But with such a lot at stake, the Birmingham Mail wants to make sure that YOU - patients, residents and health workers - know all the facts.

To ensure this happens, YOUR newspaper will chair a 'Big Debate' later this month to quiz all the key players involved in the dramatic health changes with the questions YOU want answered.

"The last thing needed is any confusion or worry. We will make sure that health chiefs are held to account, answer any questions people have in public and explain if and why this is the best way of operating.

"The 'Big Debate' will clarify exactly what health chiefs are planning, as it's crucial for everyone to have a clear understanding."

John Adler, chief executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust, which runs the two hospitals, will sit on the panel at the 'Big Debate' to take questions, along with local union representatives, senior doctors and health watchdogs.

So if you have concerns, we want to hear them. If you have serious worries, we will get your questions answered.

The 'Big Debate' will take place at 6pm on Tuesday January 16 at the Afro Caribbean Millennium Centre, 339 Dudley Road, Winson Green.

Birmingham health watchdog Coun Deirdre Alden welcomed the public meeting and said: "It is really important to have a meeting like this and to get a big turn-out, because these plans will lead to a big change for healthcare in the future."

Coun Alden, chair of the city council's health scrutiny committee, added: "I want to make sure as many people as possible know what is going on and the Birmingham Mail 'Big Debate' should do just that."